Ask Me Help Desk - Greiving horse

Greiving horse

Hello,

I have a horse who is greiving for his buddy, my other horse who was put to sleep 2 days ago suffering with laminitis. He is eating and drinking but is laying down most of the time with his head on the floor and I can see he is so sad. They were together for 22 years. Will he get over the separation anxiety, or should I look for a companion for him. I am spending a lot of time with him with the dogs. He a 28 year old Arab and I am very worried. He has some arthritis in his back leg and I have seen him laying down in the sun before but not much... does anyone have any suggestions... thanks so much
Margot

I'm sorry that you had to put your horse down.
I think your horse would appreciate the companionship of another old horse.
It would get him off the ground and up on his hoofs more and give him company when you're not around.

Kae

I've trained horses for around 5 years now.. if you could afford it I think another companion horse would be the best idea. We had a horse who lost his companion (they spent their whole lives together) and he completely changed. And not for the better. I find horses who have spent a long time with another companion react strongly to losing them. Our replacement companion was actually a goat. But if your horse doesn't like goats I do not recommend it

Thank you so much for the replies, I was thinking of a donkey, I have heard that horses and donkeys could be pals. Anyone in Southern California know where I can get a donkey, I would like to give an rescued donkey a home.

Donkeys work well.. try this site. You should be able to find a place near you from here

@LA Horses/Equestrian/Horseback Riding/Animals in Southern California: Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and Ventura County

Or check one of these clubs
Blue Mountain Farm - list of Donkey clubs and other organizations

Grieving is very real in animals. My friend Mary almost lost her cat to it when circumstances suddenly changed in her household. I think another companion is a lovely idea and lots of extra attention meanwhile too. Especially if it increases the horse's social circle, if only temporarily. Any way of taking him to visit others or vice versa?

My 6 year old mare ran around the pasture screaming for WEEKS after my old horse died. We got her a companion horse and not only did it provide a distraction from my other horse's death, she made a new friend and slowly got over it herself. Definitley try that! Good luck to you! And I am very sorry about your other horse.

Quote:

Originally Posted by margotsd

Hello,

I have a horse who is greiving for his buddy, my other horse who was put to sleep 2 days ago suffering with laminitis. He is eating and drinking but is laying down most of the time with his head on the floor and I can see he is so sad. They were together for 22 years. Will he get over the seperation anxiety, or should I look for a companion for him. I am spending a lot of time with him with the dogs. He a 28 year old Arab and I am very worried. He has some arthritis in his back leg and I have seen him laying down in the sun before but not much...does anyone have any suggestions...thanks so much
margot

He sounds like he needs a new friend. If you get him a buddy, it might take his mind off his old buddy. I am sorry for your loss, I have six horses, and when our one 32yr. Old QH died, our one mare would just stand around, she would drink but wouldn't eat. We a 32 inch stud colt who needed to be saved, and we put then together, and Haily was a new mare! 28 is getting old, so I would get a pony that can't hurt him if somthin happens.
GOOD LUCK! :)